Queen Elizabeth II congratulates Pratibha Patil

New Delhi, July 26: Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom has congratulated Pratibha Patil on assuming office as the 12th President of India. In her message to Ms Patil, the first woman President of India, the Queen said, ''It gives me great pleasure to send Your Excellency my warmest congratulations on your appointment as President of India. I send my best wishes for your future well-being and the good fortune and happiness of your country and people.''

UNI